Being Ruby: Being Two











Two years ago today I set out , destination unknown with only one goal in mind .. To find a new path.. To take to the virtual road of blogging and hope that along the way I would find new interests and hobbies that could shake off the career centric lifestyle I had fallen into..  The plan was to balance the equation between Julie & Ruby [Ruby being the adventurous one]. Like all good road trips I packed no map and left the expectations at home, as travel is an adventure and invariably as much about the people who cross your path as about the lands awaiting discovery.


Well I was fortunate enough to find both... New worlds of possibilities and wonderful blogging friends. Friends who's daily encouragement help us to define ourselves without fear of judgement. Discovering new hobbies is like reverting to childhood .. In order to learn we need to experiment. To find what suits us and develop our own style. We'll make mistakes, trip and fall, maybe even lose interest to some other new shiny thing, so we need a sandpit to play and feel safe. To develop our skills and understand what it is that makes us tick.. And that my friends is what blogging provides. A place to find what suits us best .. through discussion and sharing and discovery.. and a big wide world full of new friends to make it fun and help us along.


With this in mind I want to say Thank YOU.. Thanks for being on this journey with me.. Thanks for the encouragement and thanks for hanging around whilst I find my way...  So enough of the mushy stuff!!! I thought we might look back at what we've discovered on this journey called 'Being Ruby'.


Right from the beginning we travelled .. A lot!!.. My favourite topic and destination being Italy. Yes we travelled Italy far and wide.. From Sicily in the south, past the Amalfi Coast a few side trips to Roma, lived it up in Portofino and before settling in Venice in the northern regions. In fact we went to Venice so many times I thought you might all run screaming for the exit.. but you hung in there! You also suffered my many incarnations of Roman Angel. You're troopers!! There's no doubt about it!  If you can bear it again .. here's a little retrospective  ..  in my current favourite combo: Pink & Blue..











































Of course we found other things too.. Our mutual love of the sea.. other travel destinations.. and some crazy guest bloggers named Walt and Ethel. But mostly we found friendship ... and art & photography [with a big dose of encouragement to bring it to fruition]. So like any good birthday... There will be presents.. This time last year..  I was brave enough to send my art out into the world for the first time .. So I think I'll do that again... A giveaway of my photo-art will be coming soon. So stayed tuned.. watch this space.. And once again.. THANK YOU.. Thank you for being on this journey called 'Being Ruby'.









IMAGE SOURCE & CREDITS
All photography, text and artwork [beingRuby©]





48 comments:

oldgreymare said...

You've been busy playing in the past and the future ( new look to blog) and it all looks wonderful!

Enjoy a great week Julie

xx
z

Claudia Lane said...

Happy Anniversary Julie! I'm so glad I found you in blog world...you're so talented and wonderful and your blog brings joy and inspiration to me everyday so I'd like to thank U for Being Ruby and being here right now :))
Have a fantastic anniversary week xo

Claudia Lane said...

Happy Anniversary Julie! I'm so glad I found you in blog world...you're so talented and wonderful and your blog brings joy and inspiration to me everyday so I'd like to thank U for Being Ruby and being here right now :))
Have a fantastic anniversary week xo

beachcomber said...

actually ruby, it's us who need to thank you! your photos are devine and take us to another place....
cheryl x

beachvintage.com said...

Miss Julie, Happiest of blog birthdays to you honey.You have inspired many including me!

Sue said...

Congratulations on the 2 years! Isn't it amazing how quickly it passes? I have loved seeing the artwork and hearing of the travels of Ruby. I also love the friend that I have found in Julie...even though we are a world apart! Your photos always make me feel...that is the highest compliment I can give. Hugs to you.

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

Julie ~

I've loved every escape and intro you have shared through this journey. My gypsy heart always seems to travel to beautiful places whenever I visit here.

Wishing you many, many wonderful explorations {and hopes you will share with us} for years to come!

Bisous,
Melissa

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

hey julie...i have thoroughly enjoyed the trips to italy...never a dull moment...and looking through your eyes has been wonderful...a view i would not otherwise see...happy 2nd birthday to being ruby...it's been great getting to know you...dzintra

Just Martha said...

Phew!! For a minute there i thought this was a goodbye post! So glad it isn't and so glad to watch you on your winding. but well lit path to 'you'...

Chemin des Muguets said...

Absolutely Dreamy Images!

Marjorie

Life love, clutter and other beautiful things. said...

Gorgeous Julie. Congratulations xox

vicki archer said...

Julie,
Congratulations on your second birthday and thank you for the wonderful trips to Italy and more....xv

theROOM said...

Nice words... :)

Mise said...

Congratulations, Julie, you've come a long way and given the rest of us comeradeship and laughs and most of all your beautiful images to carry us along. Keep going!

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

The thanks all go to YOU, sweet Julie. You have given us all so much...in your art and photography and in the way of support and encouragement.
This color combo is so lovely...your photos exquisite! xoxo

rjerdee said...

Congratulations on being TWO, dear Julie/Ruby. You describe the universal nature of the blog adventure so well...finding out about ourselves, creating our own styles, and coming upon a whole new world of supportive friends.

Loved the restrospective...I've been with you for over a year now so it was fun to review.
Hugs,
Becky

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh dearest, all that you articulated about the wonderful land of BLOG is so true to my heart as well. I have the BEST friends here in Blogland because we discuss DAILY....and through discussion, one shapes one's interests and finally, destination for yet another journey. It has been THE best thing for myself and for my husband, who now has a PURPOSE to write....before, he always knew he wanted to write, but had no REASON TO..an audience is of utmost importance. I hope that your special journey continues to dazzle and define your goals my sweet. I am having a month long birthday celebration AT THE BEACH (I am taking my April birthday gals on a tour of some of the best beaches in the world....)I am wondering if I could use a photo or two of your Italy/beach photos and give FULL credit to you as our tour guide in Italy....what da ya think? Let me know...have a marvelous day, Anita

Splenderosa said...

Happy Blogversary to the both of you! I love your work, and seriously think you should sell your creations. The flower pic at the top is absolutely beautiful. xx's Marsha

The Moerks said...

Wow, what an amazing post. Thank you, your images are a real gift. I hope you continue to enjoy your journey and thanks for sharing it.

Sue H @ Astrachic Studio said...

Hi, I just love your pretty happy blog.
Happy 2nd Birthday to you. Your photo art is
amazing. Thanks for making it all so special.
Many Happy Returns,
Sue

Killiecrankie Farm said...

Happy second birthday Julie !
Keep on torturing us with your photos - you know how we hate it, especially those Amalfi shots ;)
So glad you re-posted your cherry blossom postcards - i think its one of the first posts of yours I read.
Hip Hip Huzzah !

mermaid gallery said...

It is an exciting age that we live in! We can create an alter ego to travel the world and visit cultures. I'm always amazed by people that don't blog! I think of it as a creative puzzle. Admiring others creativity is exciting and inspiring....You inspire me!

Ella said...

This was beautiful; I am so happy our paths crossed! I thought of you the other day, as we approach the month of May. We have had many connections! I'm so happy I found you; you found me!
I remember the first email you sent me...I still have it! Keep playing Julie and let Ruby guide you~
It has been an amazing journey...My two year will come up next month, too! xXx

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

Thank you for bring us these beautiful images and posts. Your blog is one of my favorites, and I am certain I have missed very few if any. You always inspire me!
Keep up the great work. You have a lot more educating and entertaining to do.
Teresa
xoxo

Giulia said...

Tanti auguri, Julie-Ruby from GG & me.

xoxoxo

Loree said...

Your art and photography are wonderful. As for Italy - well I ,for one, can never get enough of that beautiful land. Happy blogiversary.

Anji Johnston said...

These photos are absolutely phenomenal. The 'water colour' texture and the postcard effect work so beautifully together. You are a master at this!

Ann said...

Yes, you are a true master, Julie.

Just beautiful- your writing and your photos.

Julie said...

Wow , already two years.
That means that's how long you have been my friend (smile)

Julie xx

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Precious Julie,

I will email you; thank you so much for your permission to use some images! I think my next post will be the arrival at some glamorous beach in Italia for sure! I will be back via email...GRAZIE! Anita

Renée Finberg said...

sweet julie,
YOU have been a friend to me and (us) too.

happy anniversary!! xxx

Stephanie said...

Gorgeous images! Happy Blogaversary and thank YOU for all the inspiration!

Dumbwit Tellher said...

We should be thanking you Julie. You've brought us now 2 years of amazing photography, your fabulous wit and your love of travel, nature and the moon. You have such a talent and each photo takes my breath away. Your blog keeps getting better & better like that fine wine! Congrat's my dear and sending you best wishes as always from Texas. xo xo Deb

June said...

I for one, could never have been able to visit these places had it not been for the lovely Ruby, so I THANK you Julie for all of it. The amazing heart stopping photos, the sound of the sea, the smells, and all the sensations that I feel when I look upon your pictures. I have certainly had my eyes open to more beauty because of your blog.
Thank you for taking us all along with you in your self-discovery.
Sending hugs...

Anonymous said...

Julie, I think I can safely say it has been our pleasure! You are such a wonderful and talented lady, with such a kind heart, always encouraging others... Congrats on being 2!
Flick xo

Ange said...

Happy second bloggiversary you young thing you!!! What a sad world it would be without your colour and take on life. Love ya Julie
From the 'missing one'
xxx

michelle said...

Hello my friend!! Happy Anniversary to you!! :) I think that I should say thank YOU!! You have allowed us to come along for the ride, to see the world through your eyes and your camera lens and I must say that I have always enjoyed those views and your friendship. :) I look forward to seeing more and discovering new paths and journeys with you!
Have a beautiful day!!!!!
Hugs!
XO

Carole said...

Having you take me around the world has been a bonus....but the true gift has been your friendship.
I like that you have decided to embrace your inner "pink"
I think no matter what a girl says she always loves PINK! it's in our DNA.

Off to my PS class......ugghh!

xx
carole

simon said...

yes blogging is great! :o)

My Grama's Soul said...

Oh Julie......each and every time I stop in here....you take my breath away!!

xo

Jo

design elements said...

WONDERFUL, Julie!!! Happy Anniversary! I'm so glad I found you in blog world...HUGE, HUGE HUGS

petals and vintage said...

Hi Julie, I have just found your blog and I love it. Your images are just stunning. What else can I say - only that I am your newest!!
Pam x

Charlotta Ward said...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY my very talented friend!
I love all that you share - it's always coming from such a beautiful, genuine and gentle place. Italia - la bella bella Italia. What can I say, it is one of my favourite places on Earth. I once spoke the language reasonably well - an art lost due to lack of maintenance. Now I am determined to revive that part of my brain. Perhaps one day we can share 'un bicchiere di vino' in Italy. Or perhaps a glass of Italian wine here in Australia.. :)

Hugs
xx C

debra @ 5th and state said...

stunning, you, your photo art, your lovely words........thank YOU for taking US on these journeys
xx
debra

Jen Beaudet said...

Hi Julie! Happy Happy Anniversary!!!! Your blog makes me happy! Keep 'em coming! Sorry I've been absent lately. I miss seeing your beautiful posts!
Take care, Jennifer:)

Shellbelle said...

Well, as usual lately, I'm late for the party, but the congratulations on your two year blog anniversary are as strong today as if I had managed to make it on time!

Yes, the friendships we've made here in Blogland are as real as any other and I couldn't imagine not having Being Ruby to stop in and visit with. You've made my life more beautiful with your photos, but more importantly with your friendship. I love ya girl, simply put, but says exactly how I feel.

As each of us travel this path we've chosen to follow, know that I'll always be in your corner, cheering with the rest of our friends.

As you know, I had to stop and concentrate on what I was doing with my life, but you were never far from my thoughts. All I had to do was step outside and look up at the moon.

Hugs

Exquisite accessories said...

Happy Belated Anniversary Julie wow 2 years & you still come up with all the inspiring words & images, lucky me to have found you & I so enjoy reading your gorgeous words. So love the post card you have created its stunning Elaine xxx

Angie Muresan said...

Huge congratulations on turning two, dearest friend. You've taken us with you on fabulous journeys.